What is positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement means that you reward your dog with something they enjoy. It could be a tasty treat, praise, or play with a favorite toy. We ignore or manage the “bad” things our dogs do and reward the “good” things. When a behavior is rewarded, it is likely to be repeated. Positive reinforcement also builds a better bond between you and your dog. Your dog learns to trust you and has fun while learning! Dogs that learn via positive reinforcement methods are more enthusiastic and encouraged to think rather than following a treat around (luring). This means that your dog will learn whatever behavior you are asking for quickly and retain that information for the long term.

 

What is clicker training?

Clicker training uses a small, handheld device that makes a click sound to mark a behavior you want your dog to learn.  It is a clear and consistent sound that means only one thing: What you did was correct and a reward is coming! The clicker bridges the gap in communication between human and canine.

 

Training terms:

• Cookie/Reward- Anything your dog enjoys

• Click- Use the clicker to indicate to your dog that he did something you like

• Cue- A word or hand signal linked to a specific behavior

• Shaping- Breaking down a behavior into small steps that are rewarded and gradually increasing difficulty until the goal behavior is reached 

• Capture- Clicking a behavior that your dog does naturally in order to eventually put it on cue

• Rate of Reinforcement (RoR)- The number of treats earned in a minute

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Recommended training gear

• Treat pouch- for quick treat delivery

• Gentle Leader/Halti/Balance harness- recommended for dogs that pull on their leash

• Hands-free leash- helps keep the handler from obstructing their dog’s learning process​

• Treats- at least 5 different kinds (including your dog’s regular kibble)

• Toys- anything that you and your dog can play with together (no balls/fetch toys)

 

**We do NOT allow prong collars, choke chains, or shock collars. Punishment-based training erodes the relationship between human and dog and is detrimental to learning! If you choose to use a regular leash, it must be 4’ or 6’ in length. NO retractable/Flexi leashes.**